New York Times bestselling authors Eloisa James and Sarah MacLean headline a much-anticipated virtual book signing, powered by LiveStream, taking place at 5:00pm EST on Wednesday April, 27, 2011. Veteran romance writer James will interview rising star MacLean about her newest release, ELEVEN SCANDALS TO START TO WIN A DUKE’S HEART. Both authors with answer questions and sign copies for virtual event attendees, live from HarperCollins studio in New York, NY. Information regarding the LiveStream event can be found online at www.avonromancelive.com.

The virtual event will be immediately followed by a live, in-store appearance of Sarah MacLean at WORD in Brooklyn, New York (126 Franklin Street) at 7:30pm. Fans are invited to meet MacLean in person and enjoy complimentary refreshments.

“This is the sixth live-streaming event brought to fans by Avon Books,” says Senior Publicity Director Pam Jaffee. “Our recent ‘online signing’ from Turn the Page Bookstore in Boonsboro MD featured authors such as Nora Roberts and Jeaniene Frost, and was enjoyed by more than 1500 romance fans around the world via Livestream. Attendees travelled (virtually) from as far as Germany, Kenya, India, Pakistan, Ireland, Nigeria and Tunisia!”

What is an “untraditional” event in this day and age? These new streaming signings marry bricks-and-mortar with online; driving a dedicated digital fanbase to support stores at local independent booksellers.

“Eloisa James and Sarah MacLean are two of our all-time favorite romance writers,” says Event Manager of WORD Jenn Northington “So we're thrilled to be able to be a part of this event series. This will be WORD's first time participating in a Livestream event; we're really looking forward to it - and we know our customers are too.”

Readers can contact the skilled staff at WORD Bookstore in Greenpoint, Brooklyn (info@wordbrooklyn.com; 718 383 0096) to order personalized copies of the participating authors’ newest titles. Newly released books from both authors include When Beauty Tamed the Beast by Eloisa James and Eleven Scandals to Start to Win a Duke’s Heart by Sarah MacLean.